⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Powerful and thought-provoking (long after the curtain call).
Taking Malorie Blackman’s compelling novel and adapting it for the stage may be Winsome Pinnock’s best decision yet. His adaptation of Pig Heart Boy kept today’s young audience captivated from start to finish with his energetic and engaging production.
Immanuel Yeboah shines as Cameron, a 13-year-old boy, navigating the whirlwind of emotions that come with being a child with a heart condition. As a young child, a virus has led to a weakened heart, and now, as a 13 year old, he needs a new one to survive. But, there’s no human hearts available, and as times get more desperate, he becomes the first person to receive a pig’s heart.
The production captures his school life, yearning for normality so he can play with his mates and not always just be ‘The Ref’. There’s the emotional weight of his operation, hearing arguments between his parents, and then we see his relationships with friends, including Christina Ngoyi’s Marilyn, who go from great, to… well, you will need to see the show. But the key questions are, can you always trust friends? Will they be there for you when you go through life-changing events?
The production opens up bigger questions too, around animal rights, organ donation and bullying. Providing families and schools to further extend learning, long after the curtain call.
The set design is great. Paul Wills’ has created a dynamic collection of cables and TV screens. All intertwined on scaffolding, resembling a pulsating heart, seamlessly shifting between locations. Andrew Exeter’s clever use of lighting design is great. At one moment, he is bathing the stage in blood-red intensity, and the next, we are enjoying a cool blue colour. Combined with Xana’s immersive sound design, it’s a perfect setup. I also loved the use of the whole theatre for the show, with cast members interacting with the audience and making them feel like they were part of the show at times.
With a talented cast, a thought-provoking story, and powerful acting, it’s a must for those with children aged 9 to 15. And was a winner for us!
Pig Heart Boy can be seen on the Belgrade Theatre stage until Saturday, 5th April. You can next see it in the Midlands at Wolverhampton Grand (8th – 12th April) and Royal & Derngate (21st – 24th May) and Curve Leicester (10th – 14th June).
Disclaimer: We were invited along to the press showing. All thoughts and opinions are entirely our own.